Saturday, June 23, 2012

One Hand

Paul Wittgenstein is one cool dude. I'm going to let you link to his story and the story behind the concerto for the left hand. Joe picked me up from work and told me that he'd heard the concerto on the radio and filled me in a little bit on the story behind the music. I loved the idea that Wittgenstein, while in a prisoner of war camp in Siberia decides that he's going to continue his career as a pianist by simply playing with one hand.

Really.

In a POW camp.

In Siberia, no less.

Recovering from the loss of an arm.

This guy decides, "I'll just play with one hand."

And then does it. You can read the story for yourself and I managed to find a YouTube clip of him playing the concerto that became the most famous.

I love the idea of this guy.

Really.

I do.

I don't write this as 'inspirational porn' ... we all know how demeaning that can be. But I love, sometimes, stumbling across someone from disability history, someone from the disability community, who just did what he did because he wanted to do it. I love the idea that at a time, much different, yet not so different, he'd get up in public, with his sleeve folded up - so out of the closet, and play.

And in doing so he made it about the music.

I want to give this guy an ovation - and you'll finally hear the sound of one hand clapping.

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Disability Pride

Dedication

About Me

Joe and I live in an apartment right smack dab in the center of Toronto. I have worked in the field of disability since graduating from university over 30 years ago. I became disabled a few years ago now and use a wheelchair when out in the world. For those interested, most of my books are available through www.diverse-city.com and if you are wishing to book a lecture or consultation you may do so by emailing daveandjoe@hotmail.com

Best Health Blog 2010

Requiem

There are those who have affected the course of my work and my career. I wish to remember them here:

Stella Young

Manuela Dalla Nora

Bob Clayton

Viktor Frankl

Robert Sovner

Marsha Forrest

Terry Haslam

John Money

Susan Tough

Sol Gordon

Winnifred Kempton

I believe that we should speak often and well of those who passed our way and whose lives gifted us. Here in this space I wish to memorialize those whose lived lives in service to those with disabilities.